Trumpet Festival brings top artists to campus

October 07, 2010 12:00AM

I'm really excited about the level of talent we have participating in this year's festival and the schools that plan to attend.

~ Todd Hastings

of the top names in the trumpet world will perform and teach during the Midwest Trumpet Festival, Oct. 11-12 at PSU.

"I'm really excited about the level of talent we have participating in this year's festival and the schools that plan to attend," said Dr. Todd Hastings, who is director of the festival.

Hastings said the festival gathers leading performers, educators, students, and members of the community for an intensive time of large and small continuing education sessions, master classes, recitals, and concerts over a two-day period.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from the best in their field," Hastings said. "It is also an opportunity for anyone who loves the trumpet to hear some of the most outstanding trumpet players in the U.S."

The festival begins on Sunday afternoon with registration, lectures and a masterclass. At 7:30 p.m., the Crowder Jazz Orchestra will perform a concert with guest artists Jon Sneider, Al Hood and Tito Carillo in the McCray Recital Hall.

On Monday, masterclasses, lectures and exhibits will take place throughout the day. The festival will conclude at 7:30 p.m. with a recital by Billy Hunter in the McCray Recital Hall.

Tickets for the two evening concerts are $8 and are available at the door. PSU students with valid ID are admitted free.

Featured guest artists for the festival are: Billy Hunter, Jr., co-principal trumpet for the Metropolitan House Opera Orchestra in New York; jazz artist John Sneider, from New York; and Joel Treybig, associate professor of music in the Belmont University School of Music.

Guest artist faculty for the festival include: Tito Carillo, assistant professor of jazz studies at the University of Illinois; Bill Richardson, associate professor of trumpet at Northwest Missouri State University; Alan Hood, associate professor of trumpet at the University of Denver; Dr. Iskander Ahkmadullin, associate professor of trumpet at the University of Missouri; and Steve Leisring, associate professor of trumpet at the University of Kansas.